Stately Homes in Dorset

With miles of undulating Dorset countryside, lavish and charming formal gardens are never too far away. Do you appreciate beautiful, tranquil and intimate settings? Find your corner of paradise and savour Dorset's stunning stately homes and gardens.

Dorset is home to some of the most spectacular homes and gardens in the country, all with their own stories and hidden histories.

Enjoy a relaxing day taking in the wonderful surroundings and imagine these homes in their hay day, playing host to English aristocracy, dignitaries and famous faces.

A long list of famous figures

Many of Dorset’s gardens and grand houses have direct links to some of England’s most famous historical figures.

Visit the very cottage where famous author Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 and then explore the Victorian house Max Gate that Hardy designed himself and lived in up until his death in 1928.

Built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh, the magnificent Sherborne Castle is surrounded by 30 acres of stunning gardens and pleasure grounds. The eighteenth century 'Capability' Brown landscape provides a peaceful and tranquil setting with magnificent specimen trees, borders and sweeping lawns. Wander along paths and trails surrounding a beautiful 50-acre lake inhabited by abundant wildlife found both on the lake and adjacent grounds.

Amazing architecture and wonderful art collections

Kingston Lacy near Wimborne Minster was built in the 17th century. It is an elegant country mansion designed to replicate an Italian Palace and is home to a fine art collection. These include paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, plus a host of carvings, intimate family souvenirs and even an ‘I owe you’ from a king. In the grounds you will find an ancient Egyptian obelisk, a Japanese Garden and restored Victorian kitchen garden.

Athelhampton House is one of the finest 15^th century examples of Tudor architecture and is surrounded by one of the great architectural gardens of England. The Gallery in the west wing exhibits works by the Russian artist Marevna who lived at the house in the 1940s and 50s. The striking Grade I Listed gardens date back to 1891 and are most famous for their pyramid shaped yew trees that dominate The Great Court. The house is also well known for the stunning octagonal pond and their collections of tulips, roses, magnolias, clematis and lilies.

Exotic Paradise

Explore the scenic bliss that lies within Bennetts Water Gardens and follow pathways as they lead you through the series of stunning ponds and lakes blanketed in 140 different varieties of water lilies. The eight acre site of tranquil lakes and a world famous lily collection is surrounded by wetland plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers. Sit and unwind amidst a tropical paradise and explore the shaded woodland walks and exotic plants in The Tropical House.

The 20 acre colourful splendour of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is filled with exotic plants and is world famous for its camellia groves and magnolias. The unique micro climate enables rare and exotic species from all over the world to thrive here and the gardens have won the silver medal at Chelsea and silver gilt at Hampton Court Show flower shows.

Award Winning Gardens

Mapperton House and Gardens is a stunning setting that was featured in the Mail on Sunday’s Top 10 British Gardens. With a gentle walk around this magnificent garden you will be able to see why it’s thought of so highly. The house is a Jacobean manor overlooking the 15 acre garden with orangery, topiary and borders, descending to ponds and arboretum. There are outstanding views of the surrounding Dorset hills and woodlands.

Inspiring gardens and horticulture

With Dorset’s mild and bright climate it’s no wonder that it’s home to some magical gardens and horticultural masterpieces. Take in the grandeur of these wonderful grounds that have been painstakingly cared for over hundreds of years.

Enthusiastic horticulturalists will love the world-famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias at Exbury Gardens. Wander along a riverside walk, stop for something to eat at their tea rooms and take a look at captivating art exhibitions. For mini gardeners there are 20 miles of pathways to explore, play areas and a steam railway.

Laid out in a horse shoe shape, Minterne Gardens host world renowned and unique collections of flowers and plants. Himalayan rhododendrons and azaleas, spring bulbs, cherries, maples and many fine and rare trees all sit in stunning harmony with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. Meander along the mile long trail and use the benches to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings and picturesque views.

Stay a while

With so many superb stately homes and gardens in Dorset, why not take a long weekend to explore them all and find your perfect spot of paradise.

Use our accommodation search to find your ideal overnight stay. Warm up over a cup of tea and cake at one of Dorset’s best spots for Afternoon Tea and check out great places to eat out.

Follow our lively Social Media for fresh Dorset inspiration, updates, news and competitions.

For further information, check out our What's On page for the latest events in Dorset or for more ideas browse our Things To Do page for a vast range of attractions, activities, shopping, entertainment and more!

Number of results:

Number of results: 17

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
717 reviews
Athelhampton House and Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Athelhampton Gardens are re-opening on 4 June for pre-booked ticket entry. For now, the house, restaurant and shop remain closed. Athelhampton House & Gardens is one of the finest English manor houses, with beautiful furnished rooms.…

Price £3.00 to £14.50 Per Ticket
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

Weymouth

*LATEST UPDATE* Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are currently closed. The Plant Centre is open Friday to Monday, 11am until 4pm. Twenty acres of woodland valley. Exotic plants from all over the world. Colonial teahouse and gift shop. Bird aviary and…

Price £7.95 to £40.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1730 reviews
Kingston Lacy

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

WIMBORNE

*LATEST UPDATE* Kingston Lacy parklands and part of the gardens will be re-opening from 3 June. Pre-purchased tickets are required. Please check the National Trust website before visiting. Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired…

Price Free to £14.60 Per Ticket
Mapperton House & Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

BEAMINSTER

*LATEST UPDATE* New live and interactive tours of the house and gardens are now available. Mapperton House and Gardens remain closed to the public for now. Spectacular formal valley gardens beside 16th-17thC manor. Pools, orangery, fine views and…
Special Offers
- £1 discount on each ticket for bookings made online at www.mapperton.com two days or more in advance.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price £7.00 to £13.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1162 reviews
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Type

Type:

Garden

Exbury

*LATEST UPDATE* Exbury Gardens are currently closed but you can watch virtual garden tours on their social media channels. Now more than 100 years old, Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and…

Price Free to £31.90 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2092 reviews
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

Bournemouth

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, world-wide collections and contemporary craft commissions.

Price Free to £20.00 Per Ticket
Avon Heath Country Park

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD

*LATEST UPDATE* Avon Heath Country Park is now open with limited facilities. Check details on their website before visiting. A mosaic of glorious heathland and forest, laced with waymarked trails and picnic spots, together with a visitor centre,…

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
257 reviews
Bennetts Water Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

WEYMOUTH

Eight acres of gardens. Outstanding displays of water lilies in summer. Monet style bridge and gazebo. Nursery, gift shop and tearooms.

Price £4.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
519 reviews
Sherborne Castle

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

Sherborne

*LATEST UPDATE* Sherborne Castle Gardens will re-open on 4 June - the Castle and some other facilities will remain closed for now. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 & home of the Digby family since 1617. View Magnificent Staterooms, Nationally…
Special Offers
- Buy tickets on-line at www.sherbornecastle.com to receive your 10% admission discount.
  Up to four children under age 16 go free accompanied by an adult Castle & Gardens or Gardens only ticket.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price £4.00 to £12.50 Per Ticket
St. Johns Almshouse

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

SHERBORNE

Picturesque 15th Century almshouse
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
406 reviews
Lulworth Castle & Park

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

EAST LULWORTH, Wareham

*LATEST UPDATE* The Castle grounds and Parklands are open. The Castle car park is also open at £3 per day.
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate. Follow the fascinating story of the castle…

Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
Langmoor and Lister gardens

Type

Type:

Parks & Gardens

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis’ award winning seafront garden provides one of the finest views across Lyme Bay. Home to crazy golf and table tennis along with seating for those that simply want to enjoy the view.
Hamworthy Park & Beach

Type

Type:

Parks & Gardens

Poole

Hamworthy Park beach offers an oasis of peace and tranquility from the busy town centre.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
345 reviews
Clouds Hill - Home of T.E .Lawrence

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

BOVINGTON, Wareham

*LATEST UPDATE* Clouds Hill is currently closed.
T.E. Lawrence's (Lawrence of Arabia) retreat containing his own furnishings and photographs.

Price Free to £19.30 Per Ticket
Minterne Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Minterne Gardens are now open (usual hours from 10am to 6pm). Please observe the notices in place during the Coronavirus situation: respect 2 metre social distancing, there is a One-Way system around the Garden and the toilets remain…

Price £5.00 Per Ticket
Hardy's Cottage

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Hardy's Cottage is currently closed.
Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in this small cob and thatch cottage, which was built by his great-grandfather and is little altered since the family left. His early novels Under the Greenwood Tree…

Price Free to £19.30 Per Ticket
Max Gate - Home of Thomas Hardy

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

Dorchester

*LATEST UPDATE* Max Gate is currently closed.
Victorian house designed by Thomas Hardy and his home from 1885 until his death in 1928.

Price Free to £19.30 Per Ticket

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Stately Homes in Dorset

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Highlights

A long list of famous figures

Amazing architecture and wonderful art collections

Exotic Paradise

Award Winning Gardens

Inspiring gardens and horticulture

Stay a while

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